Milton Everett Howard was born on May 4, 1949, and left us much too early on Dec. 2, 2017, while in the loving embrace of his wife of 44 years, Cora Aucter Howard; his son, Warren Christopher Howard and his love, Jen; and his daughter, Deborah Howard Cash and her husband, Cary. Milt was the son of Everett and Bethany Howard from Carthage, New York.
He is survived by his wife; son; daughter; three grandsons, Quincy, Colson, and Cody; two sisters, Mary Howard Robichaud and her husband, Allen, and Kathy Howard Christman and her husband, Stanley; and hundreds of other family members; close friends; fellow veterans; Harley riders; and hunting buddies who consider Milt to be one of the most genuine, family-oriented, loyal, honest, patriotic, hard-working, generous, kind, and loving people they had ever known.
Milt graduated from Carthage Central High School in 1967 and went on to serve our great country during the Vietnam War. Milt was a very proud Navy Vietnam veteran who served as a gunner’s mate (Fox Division) on the USS New Orleans LPH 11 (Plankowner) from 1968 to 1970 and saw most of his combat in Da Nang. Upon completing his service, he returned to New York and began work at Carthage Machine. In 1973, he married Cora at St. Stephen’s in Croghan, New York. He was eventually relocated to Florence, Alabama in 1995, and retired in 2011 after 41 years of loyal service.
Milt made the most of every opportunity that the adventure of life provided. Anybody that knew Milt knew that second only to friends and family what he loved the most was his Harley Davidsons. He was an avid traveler recently completing multiple cross country Harley road trip adventures with his soulmate, Cora. He never met a stranger and although his appearance could be tough and intimidating his demeanor and joy was a welcoming magnet for all. He was a master woodworker blending everything from New York maple to Southern pine into handcrafted masterpieces earmarked for the ones he loved and for local charity. He was a lifetime sportsman that had taught multiple generations the arts and skills of baiting a hook and sighting a rifle. He was a great husband, father, friend, and Grandpa. His words were focused on quality rather than quantity. When Milt talked people listened. Even bigger than Milt’s stature was his sense of wisdom and the size of his heart. Milt was an inspiration that taught us all more than he ever realized. He taught us how to handle life’s challenges, he taught us to laugh and smile, he taught us generosity, he taught us the importance of family and friendship, and most importantly he taught us to love. We thank you for everything you have added to our lives as we celebrate yours. We miss you and love you, Milt!
A celebration of life gathering will be held on Thursday, Dec. 7, from 5-9 p.m. at the Underwood Petersville Community Center located at 840 Co. Rd. 7, Florence, AL 35633 (no flower orders to this event please). The formal funeral services will be held at Lundy’s Funeral Home located at 500 State St., Carthage, NY 13619. Calling hours are Friday, Dec. 15 from 5-9 p.m., and the funeral service and visitation will begin Saturday, Dec. 16 at 11 a.m. for the public. Flowers are welcomed to be ordered for this event and/or donations to Milt’s favorite organization be made in his name to the VFW No. 6912 at 7752 West State Street, Lowville, NY 13367.
